By Jenna Rose 
For fans of Disney and Pixar, few animated movies have created the same emotional connection as Coco. Released in 2017, the film introduced audiences to Miguel Rivera, a young boy with a passion for music who unexpectedly found himself traveling between the world of the living and the Land of the Dead. With its unforgettable music, colorful animation, family-centered story, and emotional exploration of memory and legacy, Coco became one of Pixar’s most beloved films.
Now, Miguel’s story is continuing. Disney and Pixar have officially confirmed that Coco 2 is in development, giving fans their first glimpse at what comes next for the young musician. The announcement has already generated excitement because the sequel will take Miguel into his teenage years and return him to the extraordinary world introduced in the original film.
During Disney’s 2026 D23 event, the studio presented new concept art featuring a teenage Miguel, along with his beloved dog Dante. Disney also confirmed that Coco 2 is scheduled to arrive in theaters in November 2029. The announcement gives fans a long-awaited look at the direction of the sequel while also leaving plenty of questions about the story, characters, music, and future of Miguel’s journey.
Coco 2 Brings Miguel Back as a Teenager
One of the biggest changes in Coco 2 will be Miguel himself. In the original movie, Miguel was a 12-year-old boy struggling to follow his passion for music despite his family’s generations-old ban on it. Pixar’s official description of the original film establishes Miguel as a young musician who secretly develops his musical talent and dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz.
The sequel will move the character forward into his teenage years. That simple change could create an entirely different story because Miguel is no longer the child audiences met in the first movie. He has had time to grow, develop his musical abilities, understand his family’s history, and experience the responsibilities that come with getting older.
The first concept art revealed at D23 showed an older Miguel, giving fans an early indication of how Pixar is approaching the character’s design. Dante also appears alongside him, suggesting that Miguel’s loyal canine companion will remain part of his next adventure.
The decision to make Miguel a teenager is particularly interesting because adolescence naturally introduces new questions about identity and independence. Miguel may still be passionate about music, but his dreams could now be more serious. Instead of simply wanting permission to play music, he could be thinking about what it means to pursue music as a future career.
That creates plenty of opportunities for Coco 2 to explore growing up without abandoning the family themes that made the first film so meaningful.
When Will Coco 2 Be Released?
Disney and Pixar have announced that Coco 2 is scheduled for a theatrical release in November 2029. The release window was revealed during Disney’s 2026 D23 presentation, where the studio also showcased the first concept art from the sequel.
That means fans still have several years to wait before Miguel’s next adventure reaches theaters. Although the wait may seem long, animated movies typically require extensive development, story work, animation, voice recording, music production, and visual effects.
The lengthy production timeline is also understandable for a project returning to a world as visually detailed as Coco. The Land of the Dead was one of Pixar’s most colorful and elaborate settings, filled with glowing buildings, bridges, spirits, music, and fantastical characters.
For now, November 2029 is the important release window fans should remember. As production continues, Disney and Pixar are expected to reveal more information about the exact release date, trailer, cast, story, and other details.
What Could the Story of Coco 2 Be About?
Specific story details are still limited, but the early information surrounding Coco 2 already gives fans plenty to discuss. The sequel is expected to continue Miguel’s story while returning to the Land of the Dead.
Reports surrounding the D23 announcement indicate that Ernesto de la Cruz will once again play an important role. The character, originally voiced by Benjamin Bratt, was one of the central figures in the first movie. Bratt appeared at the D23 presentation and confirmed his return as Ernesto de la Cruz.
Ernesto’s return is particularly intriguing because of how his story ended in the original Coco. He was revealed to be responsible for Héctor’s death and had built his legendary musical career by stealing Héctor’s songs and taking credit for them.
Bringing Ernesto back creates the possibility of another conflict between Miguel and the famous musician. Reports have described Ernesto as seeking revenge against Miguel, potentially forcing the two characters into an unexpected situation in the Land of the Dead. However, many detailed plot points remain under wraps, so audiences should distinguish between confirmed information and early reporting about the storyline.
Whatever the final story becomes, Ernesto’s return gives Pixar a way to reconnect the sequel with one of the most important conflicts from the original film while allowing Miguel to face a new challenge as an older character.
Ernesto de la Cruz’s Return Changes Everything
Ernesto de la Cruz remains one of the most recognizable characters from Coco, largely because his glamorous public image hid a much darker truth.
In the first film, Miguel initially idolized Ernesto because he believed they shared a connection through music. Miguel’s journey eventually revealed that his assumptions about Ernesto were completely wrong. The discovery transformed the way Miguel understood his own family history.
Having Ernesto return could therefore be much more complicated than simply bringing back a familiar villain. Miguel now knows who Ernesto really is. He cannot be fooled by the same image that captivated him as a child.
That dynamic could make their next confrontation particularly interesting. Miguel has grown up, while Ernesto remains connected to the history that once caused so much pain for the Rivera family.
The possibility of an unexpected alliance also adds another layer to the story. If Miguel and Ernesto are forced to work together against a larger threat, the sequel could explore whether an enemy can ever become an ally. Such a storyline would give Pixar an opportunity to revisit the complicated relationship between fame, family, forgiveness, and legacy.
The Land of the Dead Will Be a Major Attraction Again
One of the greatest strengths of the original Coco was its imaginative depiction of the Land of the Dead. Rather than presenting the afterlife as a dark or frightening place, Pixar created a vibrant world filled with color, music, architecture, celebrations, and countless spirits.
Returning to that world gives the filmmakers an opportunity to expand it even further.
Because Miguel is older, audiences may see locations and communities that were not explored in the first movie. The sequel could introduce new parts of the Land of the Dead, new characters, new traditions, and perhaps new rules surrounding the connection between the living and the dead.
The Land of the Dead could also look different through Miguel’s eyes now that he is a teenager. In the original film, everything was new and overwhelming to him. In the sequel, he could return with greater confidence and knowledge.
That change could allow the filmmakers to make the setting feel familiar while still giving audiences something new to discover.
Dante Could Return for Another Adventure
Fans of the original Coco will likely be happy to see Dante included in the first concept art. Miguel’s loyal dog became an important part of his adventure, and his playful personality added humor to some of the film’s most emotional moments.
The appearance of Dante alongside teenage Miguel suggests that their bond will continue into the sequel.
Dante is more than comic relief, however. He became part of Miguel’s journey and was closely connected to the supernatural world of the story. His return could therefore help maintain the emotional continuity between the two films.
For longtime fans, seeing Miguel and Dante together again may be one of the simplest but most effective ways for Coco 2 to immediately feel connected to the original.
Music Will Remain Central to Miguel’s Story
Music was at the heart of Coco, and it would be difficult to imagine a sequel without it. Miguel’s dream of becoming a musician drove much of the original story, and his musical talent helped him discover the truth about his family.
As a teenager, Miguel’s relationship with music could become more mature.
The sequel could explore what happens when a childhood passion becomes a serious ambition. Miguel may face new challenges involving performance, family expectations, competition, or the pressure to prove himself.
Music can also provide a bridge between generations, which is one of the reasons it worked so well in the original film. Miguel’s family initially viewed music as something that caused pain, while Miguel saw it as a way to express himself.
Coco 2 has an opportunity to continue that conversation by asking what happens when a young person’s dream becomes part of his identity.
Of course, fans will also be watching closely for new songs. The original Coco became closely associated with songs such as “Remember Me,” which played a significant role in the emotional impact of the story. Pixar will have the difficult task of creating new music while respecting the musical identity of the original.
The Family Themes Could Be Just as Important
Although Coco is often remembered for its music and colorful animation, its emotional foundation was family.
Miguel’s journey was ultimately about understanding where he came from and discovering the importance of remembering those who came before him. The movie explored how family stories can become distorted over generations and how forgiveness can help repair old wounds.
Coco 2 has the opportunity to build on those themes from a new perspective.
Miguel is no longer a young child trying to understand his family’s rules. As a teenager, he may begin thinking more deeply about his future and what kind of person he wants to become.
That could create new disagreements between Miguel and his relatives. Even when families love each other, growing up can create differences in expectations. Miguel’s musical ambitions may continue to challenge his family’s ideas about tradition and responsibility.
This gives Pixar plenty of emotional material to work with while keeping the sequel connected to the heart of the original film.
Why Fans Are Already Excited About Coco 2
The excitement surrounding Coco 2 comes from more than the popularity of the original movie. Fans have been waiting to see whether Pixar would ever return to Miguel’s world.
Disney first announced in March 2025 that Coco 2 was in development at Pixar. At the time, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the project was still in its early stages but described it as a film that would contain humor, heart, and adventure.
The 2026 D23 presentation represents a significant step forward because audiences have now received their first look at the older Miguel and a confirmed theatrical release window.
That makes the sequel feel much more tangible. It is no longer simply a project Pixar has announced; fans now have an early visual idea of where the story is heading.
A New Chapter for One of Pixar’s Most Beloved Characters
Coco 2 has a difficult challenge ahead. The original movie earned a special place in audiences’ hearts because it told a complete and emotionally powerful story. Any sequel must expand Miguel’s world without weakening what made the first film special.
Turning Miguel into a teenager could be the key.
Instead of simply repeating the original story, Pixar can explore a different stage of his life. Miguel has already discovered the truth about his family. Now he has to decide what to do with that knowledge.
He can continue pursuing music, strengthen his relationships with his family, and face new challenges that come with growing older. At the same time, his return to the Land of the Dead could introduce an entirely new supernatural adventure.
With Ernesto de la Cruz returning, Dante by Miguel’s side, and the possibility of new music and new locations, there are plenty of ingredients for a sequel that feels familiar without being a simple repeat.
What to Expect From Coco 2
There is still a lot that Disney and Pixar have not revealed about Coco 2. Fans can expect more information as production continues, but the confirmed pieces already make the movie one of the most anticipated animated films on Pixar’s future schedule.
The sequel will bring back Miguel in his teenage years, return audiences to the Land of the Dead, feature Dante, and bring Benjamin Bratt back as Ernesto de la Cruz. Disney has also confirmed a November 2029 theatrical release window.
Beyond those details, much remains a mystery. That may actually be a good thing. Pixar has a long history of keeping major story details secret until audiences are closer to release.
For now, fans have plenty to speculate about. Will Miguel become a professional musician? What will happen when he encounters Ernesto again? Will his family continue supporting his dreams? What new parts of the Land of the Dead will audiences discover? And most importantly, what new song will become the emotional centerpiece of the sequel?
Those questions will likely keep Coco 2 in the conversation for years.
The Long Wait for Miguel’s Return
Waiting until November 2029 may feel like a long time, but Coco 2 has the potential to make that wait worthwhile. Pixar is returning to a world that audiences already love while giving its central character a new stage of life.
Miguel is no longer the 12-year-old boy who accidentally entered the Land of the Dead. He is growing up, his dreams are becoming more serious, and his understanding of family and identity continues to evolve.
That gives Coco 2 a meaningful reason to exist beyond simply continuing a successful franchise.
If Pixar can capture the same emotional warmth, cultural richness, musical energy, and visual imagination that defined the original while telling a genuinely new story, Coco 2 could become another memorable chapter in Miguel Rivera’s journey.
For Disney and Pixar fans, the message is clear: Miguel is coming back, and this time, he is a teenager ready for a new adventure. The Land of the Dead is waiting, Ernesto de la Cruz is returning, and audiences now have until November 2029 to find out what happens next.
Nat Feury